When we explained to our children, aged 3, 5 and 7, that we were going to plant trees before our friend’s wedding, they were excited as it was an excuse to get muddy. A close friend, the presenter and environmental educator Laura Wells, was getting married and, as part of the celebration, she and her husband had partnered with Shellharbour City Council to plant over 3,000 trees with their wedding guests at Blackbutt Forest Reserve.

My husband works in the environmental sector and, in the early days of our relationship, we spent our weekends volunteering with Illawarra Intrepid Landcare — a group of young volunteers who undertake conservation projects. Since becoming parents, we have let our commitment to ‘eco-volunteering’ ebb; however, on this rainy day in Shellharbour, I remembered why I was drawn to it. 

According to a study by the Australian Health Promotion Association, environmental volunteering has a number of ‘co-benefits’ — meaning it benefits the planet and the people who are doing it. For volunteers, it can enhance mental, physical and social health, and strengthen their connection to the environment. It can reduce ‘eco anxiety’ and feelings of helplessness around climate change. It’s also a fun, free activity for the entire family.

“It’s great to see families attend [Bushcare sessions],” says Bronwyn Anderson, team coordinator for Bushland Management at Shellharbour City Council. “Parents get to see their children discover how to nurture nature, and they get to learn valuable information about weeds and natives that they can take home with them or share with friends.”

Currently, there are seven Bushcare and Landcare groups operating in Shellharbour, including Warilla Dunes Bushcare and Tullimbah Landcare, working to rehabilitate and preserve native bushland. Although Kiama does not have an active Bushcare program, it does have multiple Landcare groups, stretching from Jamberoo to Foxground.

The main difference, according to the Illawarra Landcare website, is that Bushcare groups are supported by funding and resources from local Councils. In May 2022, Shellharbour City Council’s Environment Team successfully secured $160,000 in grant funding, as part of the Flying-Fox Habitat Restoration Program. This funding will support the planting of 30,000 trees, including the ones my children dug into the ground.

For families, the commitment is not overwhelming. Most Landcare and Bushcare groups meet once a month, on a Saturday or Sunday, with projects that suit different capabilities. For children, they can learn by doing.

“If you are a parent with young children and are interested in getting involved, I would say try it once,” says Anderson. “We want it to be a rewarding experience and not a task, so, there’s no commitment pressures. Every little bit counts towards helping the environment.”

Register your interest in planting trees on the Shellharbour City Council website.

There you can also register for an event celebrating the National Tree day on 28 July.

For more information, visit shellharbour.nsw.gov.au or landcareillawarra.org.au.